What Is a Forest Management Plan?

A Forest Management Plan is a tailored strategy for managing forested land over time, developed with guidance from forestry professionals. It serves as a personalized roadmap that reflects the landowner’s goals—whether those include generating income, improving wildlife habitat, creating recreational opportunities, or simply maintaining a healthy forest for future generations.

This plan is typically developed with the assistance of a professional forester, who will walk the land, assess its condition, and provide science-based recommendations to guide management decisions. Most plans cover a 10-year period and are reviewed and updated as needed.

What Is Included in a Forest Management Plan?

A well-prepared plan may include:

• Landowner Goals and Objectives: A clear statement of what the landowner wishes to accomplish—such as income generation, hunting, family enjoyment, habitat enhancement, or legacy preservation.
• Property Description: Detailed information about the land, including maps, acreage, boundaries, and access points.
• Forest Inventory: A summary of tree species, age, density, health, and the overall condition of the forest.
• Recommended Practices: Specific actions to take, such as thinning trees, harvesting timber, planting native species, or controlling invasive plants.
• Forest Management Goals: Big-picture objectives that may relate to landscape-scale forest management objectives in Tennessee or the southern region.
• Soil and Water Protection: Guidance on how to prevent erosion, maintain soil health, and protect water resources like creeks and ponds.
• Schedule and Timeline: A suggested timeline that indicates when and how to carry out each management activity over the coming years.

Why a Forest Management Plan Matters

Having a forest management plan turns a piece of wooded property into a well-managed asset. It provides direction, improves forest health, helps wildlife thrive, and can offer financial and tax benefits. For landowners in Tennessee, it can also be a requirement for certain cost-share programs.

So What's Next?

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, reach out to your local TDF area forester to learn more about the process and request a site visit.

You can also explore management goals to understand possible objectives you can pursue with the guidance of your local TDF area forester.